Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-01-15

wound nef lovers SOSceptlDlItltS by
what he appeared to regard ss want Of
confidence, II must be confessed that Il
doorstep in a pu bic street is not roman
tic or convenier spot for trysting place.
and the mildesi Irritation under such cir
cumstances is apt TO attract attention
The young man WAS evidently sensitivs
upon this point, and frequently pressed
Ellen either to admit him into the house
or TO accompany him for walk along thu
streets. But the girl, true 10 her trust,
notwithstanding that she regarded her
admirer with every sentiment of honest
respect and admiration, could not be per-
suaded either 10 leave the house or to per
nit him even to set foot inside the door
Ii is hardly surprising that the young mnp
failed TO appreciate this conscientious
ness, especially as Ellen could not give
expression TO the strong, innate sense df
duty which enabled her to resist his per
suasiou and Establishments.
However, this trifling misunderstood
ing neve' assumed the proportions Of a
quarrel, and therefore did not interfere
with the girls new born happiness. The
young man one evening gave her present
of a pebble brooch. accompanying the
gift with few meaning words which
thrilled Ellen's soul, for they might fairly
have been interpreted into a downright
proposal of marriage. Unfortunately a
policeman, who happened to pass by just
at that ecstatic moment, evinced most in
opportune and unreasonable curiosity at
their proceedings and paused to watch
them. This caused them TO separate
somewhat abruptly, and Ellen retired to
bed in state of suspense which would
have been absolutely maddening if she
had really entertained the smallest doubt
on the subject of her lovers intentions.
After a wakeful hour spent in delight
full anticipations rs to what the morrow
would bring forth, she fell into blissful
slumber with the pebble brooch grasped
| firmly in her hand. Suddenly in the mid
die of the night she started up wide
awake, with loud beating heart and trem-
| bling limbs. She was not conscious of
having been aroused by any sound, though
| such was doubtless the cause Of her alarm,
| for as she listened Il cracking noise as OF
| splintering wood fell distinctly on her
ears.
Thieves! Burglarsi This was her first
and natural suspicion, but now that the
dreaded moment which for weeks past
she had shuddered to tsink Of had arrived
her personal fears were overcome by an
property. without pausing TO consider
or reflect, she rushed from her room and
frantically commenced to descend the
stairs. After few steps she was seized
with a sudden spasm of alarm, and at the
same instant-so strangely does the brain
work in moments of excitement and dan.
ger-she perceived that she still held in
her hand the pebble brooch which her
young man had given her. Impulsively
she raised it to her lips and kissed it, and
the action seemed to renew her strength
and courage.
Her intention had been not necessarily
to confront the burglars but to raise an
alarm; and with this object she directed
her steps toward the street door, for in
her fright and agitation she never thought
of the windows. When she reached the
lower hall, however, her attention was
attracted by light in the dining room,
and she walked straight in almost invol-
UNFAIRLY. At q glance she saw that the
place had been ransacked; the doors of
the sideboard were open and its contents
scattered about, and in a corner were two
men, one holding candle while the other
was reaching out a variety of objects from
the cupboard.
Before she could utter sound the man
with the candle glanced over his shoulder
and caught sight Of her. He seized his
companion by the arm, starting violently.
The latter at once turned round, and as
the light fell upon his face Ellen with
horror AMI amazement recognized her
young mani
What are you doing heres' she cried.
Never mind, my dear; you be of to
bed, replied the young man soothingly.
hV,- hnr s,ha
turned.
Eyes, we have; and we are Just ADDING
Of IL" said the second man, with a grin.
Come said Ellen's young man, in a
peremptory tone, this amt no affair of
yours. There is nothing to be afraid Of
Leave US alone and go to sleep again"
Richard, you amt sgoing to take them
things''' said the girl. with strange,
sickening feeling at her heart. go away
for my sake!'
But am going 10 take 'em," replied
the young man, looking at her coldly and
defiantly.
His tone and manner were a revelation
TO the girl, and she WINGED as though she
had received stab. Like fash of light
the truth burst upon her that the young
fellows attentions and protestationS had
been false. She realized his motives, and
recalled TO mind how she had innocently
furnished him with information as to the
contents Of the house and the position OF
the articles of value. The fact that he
was then occupied in rifiing cupboard
which contained plate and silver showed
that he had profited by his opportunities.
I'm agoing to take 'em, so you'd best
make no bones about it," continued her
Young man, eying her savagely as she
stood staring at him in speechless dis
trcss.
you mustn't! They amt yours, They
6re my master'sr' cried the girl, sudden
ly recovering her senses.
Impelled BY the thought Of her masters
interest, Ellen advanced as she spoke and
seized q bundle which stood on n chair
ready to be carried off. At the same mo
ment her young man put his hand upon
1t, and his eyes-stern, wrathful, glitter
ing-looked dangerously into hers.
Leave itln he whispered hoarsely.
"Leave it, or by"
Help cried the girl, uplifting her
voice in sheer terror at his threatening
aspect.
No sooner had she uttered a single cry
than she felt herself seized fiercely by the
throat, and simultaneously heavy blow
which seemed to crash into her BRAIN
caused her to fall senseless with dull
thDd upon the floor.
When the girl recovered consciousness
she could no. at first recollect what had
happened. BY degrees she perceived that
she was not in her own room and was
lying upon bare boards. This discovery
caused her to grope feebly about in the
dark with her hands, which presently en-
cOuntered split box OF matches. With
languid movements she raised herself and
stri.ck light, whereupon she remarked
with mild establishment that she was in
the dining room. Observing candle oE
u chair close by her, she contriyed 10 get
near enough to apply the match TO it.
Then, as the feeble flame grew stronger
and ceased fiickering, she gaZed vacantly
around her upon the open sidebcard and
the cupboard and the numerous odds and